Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accompanied by his wife Anna Hakobyan, arrived in the People’s Republic of China on a working visit. The Armenian delegation was warmly received at Tianjin Binhai International Airport in a ceremony featuring a guard of honor, with Mr. Lei Haichao, Head of the National Health Commission of the PRC, and Mr. Sheng Maolin, Chairman of the Tianjin People’s Political Consultative Conference, welcoming the Prime Minister and his wife.
During his visit, Prime Minister Pashinyan held a high-level meeting with President Xi Jinping and participated in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in the SCO+ format. President Xi highlighted the centuries-old friendship between Armenia and China, reaffirmed China’s unconditional support for Armenia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and expressed support for Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” initiative, as well as efforts to unblock regional communication routes. He emphasized the potential of the Intergovernmental Commission for Economic Cooperation to fully realize the trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.
Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality and reaffirmed Armenia’s support for the “One China” principle. He stressed the strategic importance of the “Crossroads of Peace” program in enhancing regional and interregional stability and its synergy with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, to which Armenia was among the first to officially join. Pashinyan also expressed hope that trade and economic cooperation would grow consistently, with new joint investment programs between Armenian and Chinese companies.
As a result of the meeting, Armenia and China announced the establishment of a strategic partnership, formalized through a joint statement. Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in science, education, culture, tourism, information, metrology, and other sectors. Prime Minister Pashinyan reaffirmed Armenia’s desire to join the SCO, with both sides agreeing to strengthen collaboration within the organization.
Political Dialogue
The two countries reiterated their commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. Armenia confirmed its support for the One-China principle, while China reaffirmed its support for Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Both sides expressed readiness to expand high-level political dialogue, regular consultations between foreign ministries, and cooperation between legislative bodies, local authorities, and political parties. Law enforcement, security, judicial, and legal cooperation were also highlighted as priorities.
Economic, Trade, Investment, and Tourism Cooperation
Bilateral trade has been steadily growing, and both countries expressed readiness to expand trade, attract investment, and promote Armenian exports in the Chinese market. Collaboration is planned in infrastructure, information technology, renewable energy, agriculture, and industry. Both nations also highlighted the importance of participating in major trade fairs and exhibitions to further strengthen economic ties.
Tourism cooperation is set to expand, supported by a visa-free regime and direct flights, enhancing people-to-people contacts and cultural exchange. Armenia and China also plan joint projects in human resources development and social initiatives.
Sectoral Cooperation
The partnership will enhance collaboration in science, technology, education, and language exchange, including the promotion of Armenian and Chinese languages at educational institutions. Both countries will support innovation, digital education, vocational training, joint research, and the creation of incubation centers, science and technology parks, and innovation hubs. Cultural exchange will include joint events, exhibitions, preservation of heritage, and cooperation under the framework of the Ancient Civilization Forum. Cooperation will also extend to health, employment, social security, sports, media, and youth initiatives, as well as cybersecurity and digital transformation projects.
Global and International Cooperation
Armenia and China reaffirmed their commitment to a UN-centered international system, international law, and multipolar global governance. Both nations support initiatives including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, promoting sustainable development, poverty alleviation, climate action, and green growth. The countries also pledged to enhance collaboration within the Belt and Road Initiative, ensuring the successful implementation of infrastructure projects under Armenia’s “Crossroads of Peace” program. Armenia will continue to engage with the SCO and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), promoting regional connectivity, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth.
Conclusion
The establishment of a strategic partnership between Armenia and China marks a new era in bilateral relations, reflecting mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to political, economic, cultural, and global cooperation. Both countries stand ready to implement joint projects that foster stability, prosperity, and sustainable development for their peoples and the broader region.
